The introduction of web filters to make adults who want to view pornography ‘opt in’ is to be considered by the Government.

David Cameron has intervened to insist a default block on porn, deactivated only when users make an active choice to have it switched off, is put back on the table.

Today he will announce a consultation on whether to introduce automatic filters, or a less stringent system which would mean people would have to make an ‘active choice’ on whether or not to view explicit sites when they sign up with an internet service provider.

Dangers: Experts have warned that children are increasingly exposed to the 'pervasive menace' of internet porn. (Posed by model)

Priority: A Downing Street spokesperson said keeping children safe is 'hugely important' to the Prime Minister

The move marks a significant step forward for the Daily Mail’s Block Online Porn campaign, which has called for a consultation on the introduction of content filtering systems for internet accounts.

There is growing alarm about the impact of sexual content on the internet on Britain’s children. On average, children now start to use the web at the age of eight.

Research suggests as many as one in three under-tens has seen pornography on the web, while four in every five children aged 14 to 16 admit regularly accessing explicit images and video footage on their home computers.

Only 3 per cent of pornographic websites require proof-of-age before granting access to sexually explicit material, and two-thirds do not even include any adult-content warnings.

So far TalkTalk is the only ISP to offer a block on pornography for its customers.

Campaigners have accused the others of dragging their heels on the issue.

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The Department for Culture, Media and Sport angered campaigners last month by suggesting it was ruling out the idea of a ‘default on’ filter for porn, which is opposed by Liberal Democrats on civil liberties grounds.

But a Downing Street source said: ‘Keeping children safe and protecting them from what’s available on the internet is hugely important to the Prime Minister.

‘He is determined to get the right policy in this area, which is why he has intervened to make sure no options are off the table.

'He wants to hear industry views, and consult on the possibility of a default internet filter as well as active choice.’

A system of ‘active choice’ would
mean asking parents a series of automated questions during the set-up
process to ensure parents take decisions about controls on a new
computer, tablet, phone or internet TV, or when they get a new internet
connection.

There would be no ‘ignore’ button – meaning users cannot simply proceed without choosing – but no option is picked for you in advance.

As well as filtering out porn, parents could set passwords on age-rated films, or stop certain features being used at certain times.

For example, parents could block the use of the internet on a child’s phone after bedtime, or texting during school.

Ministers believe there is wide support for parental controls being offered, but say research suggests two thirds prefer a system of open choice to one where controls are switched on already.

‘But no options are ruled out when it comes to keeping children safe – so as part of our dialogue with industry, we will explore their views of the use of “default on” filters as part of active choice,’ said the source.

Tory MP for Devizes Claire Perry, who has led calls for an opt-in filter, said: ‘I’m really pleased. Cautiously pleased. It shows that Number Ten and particularly David Cameron is taking this issue really seriously.

‘All we wanted was a fact-based consultation on this. Now let’s see what the details are and what the timings are, because we want to see this move quickly. We need a grown-up solution about the way forward.’

Labour’s media spokesman Helen Goodman, who backed the Daily Mail’s campaign last week, also expressed a cautious welcome but said she wanted to see the details.

‘I hope very much that the Government is now taking things seriously,’ she said.

Conservative peer Baroness Howe, who will next week unveil her own private member’s Bill to force internet service providers to impose a filter to block access to all pornographic images, said action was needed because of the ‘dangerous’ effect that sexual content was having on relationships between boys and girls.

‘The duty is on those who make extra profit from this sort of material to do all they can to protect under 18s,’ she said.